EVANSVILLE, Ind. – As Thanksgiving approaches, the Salvation Army of Evansville is mobilizing volunteers and donors to ensure that families without a holiday table can share a traditional meal. The organization’s annual Thanksgiving Festival, a long‑standing community event, relies on contributions of non‑perishable foods to create boxed meals for those in need.
Call for donations
Adam Brothers, director of development for the Salvation Army in Evansville, emphasized that any non‑perishable item is valuable. “We can use just about anything that is given to us,” Brothers said. “Stuffing, canned corn, canned green beans, canned cranberries—those items can be packaged into a Thanksgiving box for someone and would be greatly appreciated this time of year.”
Food pantry operations
The agency operates three food‑pantry days before Thanksgiving, working to stock shelves with items that families can use to prepare a traditional holiday meal. Brothers noted that the pantry serves roughly 100 families each week throughout the year, and the daily hot‑meal program, known as Sally’s Kitchen, provides between 250 and 350 meals a day. “We expect demand to be similar to last year, when we served about 1,000 people at the Thanksgiving Festival,” he added, indicating that the organization is preparing for comparable or higher participation this year.
Impact on families
For many residents, the holiday season brings a difficult choice between putting food on the table and covering essential bills such as utilities. The Salvation Army’s efforts aim to alleviate that pressure, offering a dignified way for families to celebrate with a shared meal. The organization’s leaders stress that the need for assistance does not end with Thanksgiving; the food pantry continues to support the community year‑round.
How to help
Community members are encouraged to drop off non‑perishable food items at any Salvation Army location in Evansville. Volunteers are also needed to sort donations, assemble meal boxes, and serve hot meals during the festival. Those interested in contributing time or resources can contact the Salvation Army’s development office for details.
Looking ahead
With the holiday season fast approaching, the Salvation Army remains hopeful that the generosity of Evansville residents will meet the growing demand. By partnering with local churches, businesses, and families, the organization aims to ensure that no one in the community has to face Thanksgiving alone.
Original reporting: 14 News WFIE Evansville (news) — read the source article.
